Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 23:67 (Autumn 2019)
Article: Does Doctrine Matter Anymore?
Author: Gary E. Gilley

JODT 23:67 (Autumn 2019) p. 147

Does Doctrine Matter Anymore?

Gary E. Gilley

* Gary E. Gilley, M.B.S., Th.D., senior pastor, Southern View Chapel, Springfield, Illinois

“Mega-Growth” was a front-page article describing the phenomenal numerical increase of three of the largest churches in the Springfield, Illinois area. What is it about these churches that have sparked their growth? Why are people flocking to these churches rather than to others? In response one of the pastors said, “Understanding budgets and balance sheets is as important as understanding church doctrine.” Another pastor said, “Church members are more interested in relational issues than doctrine. People care less about questions pertaining to what a church doctrine is and more about the question, ‘Does this church care for me?’”1 One should not minimize the importance of fiscal responsibility, organizational needs, and loving community, but not too many years ago Christians sought churches that reflected what they believed the Bible taught, yet that is no longer. As is evident by what these pastors said, the average Christian today simply does not care much about theology; they are seeking a community that cares for them, or a particular style of music, or an intimate experience, or a service project in which they can be involved, or any number of things. For the most part they are not choosing to become a member of a church on the basis of what it teaches. To be sure, certain managerial and practical elements are important to the operation of a local church, and the church should be a community, even a family, composed of those who love one another in such a way that the world notices (see John 13:35). However, this almost-wholesale dismissal of doctrine as unnecessary has been uncommon throughout church history.

We Have Been Here Previously

Disregard of Bible doctrine is uncommon, but not totally unique. What is seen today is essentially an echo of something that happened in the past: the rise of theological liberalism beginning in the 18^th century. At that time, theologians in Europe were beginning to question the truth about the

JODT 23:67 (Autumn 2019) p. 148

historical Jesus. Many were embracing the idea that Jesus was not the Son of God and never claimed to be; rather it was his followers who ascribed to Jesus the characteristic of deity in order to buttress their ethical message. Nevertheless, even if the storyline around Jesus was a myth, his message of morality and love was important. Increasingly these theologians dismissed the so-called myths but retained the parts of the Jesus story they found desirable.You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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